Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator Chemical Control Methods 1 Flashcards

Which fumigant is commonly used by NWCOs to control ground squirrels and prairie dogs by introducing gas into burrow systems?

Answer: Aluminum phosphide

Aluminum phosphide reacts with moisture in the soil and burrow air to produce phosphine gas, which is lethal to burrowing rodents. It is a restricted-use pesticide requiring a license and can only be applied by certified applicators.

What does the signal word 'DANGER' on a pesticide label indicate about the product?

Answer: The product is highly toxic — a few drops to a teaspoon can be fatal to an adult

Signal words on EPA-registered labels rank toxicity: DANGER (highest toxicity — LD50 very low), WARNING (moderate toxicity), and CAUTION (lowest toxicity among labeled products). DANGER indicates that a very small amount can be lethal to humans.

Zinc phosphide is classified as which type of chemical control tool in wildlife damage management?

Answer: Acute rodenticide

Zinc phosphide is an acute rodenticide — it kills rapidly after a single feeding, typically within hours, by releasing phosphine gas in the stomach. This distinguishes it from chronic rodenticides like anticoagulants, which require multiple feedings over several days.

Which of the following is a primary safety concern when applying pesticides near water bodies during wildlife damage management?

Answer: Runoff or leaching contaminating aquatic ecosystems and violating the Clean Water Act

Pesticide runoff into surface water can kill non-target aquatic organisms and constitutes a violation of both pesticide label directions (which are federal law under FIFRA) and the Clean Water Act. NWCOs must follow label buffer zone requirements near water.

What is the purpose of a tracking powder in chemical wildlife control?

Answer: To deliver a toxicant to animals that self-groom or transfer powder through contact

Tracking powders are pesticide formulations applied in runways, burrows, or tight spaces where the target animal walks through and picks up the powder on its feet or fur, then ingests it during grooming. This delivery method reaches rodents that may avoid bait stations.

Under EPA regulations, what is required before an NWCO may legally apply a Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP)?

Answer: Certification as a licensed pesticide applicator in the appropriate category

Restricted Use Pesticides may only be purchased and applied by certified applicators or persons under their direct supervision, as established by FIFRA. States administer applicator certification programs, and NWCOs must hold the appropriate category license before using RUPs.